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Monday, August 1, 2016

Wash Line Monday! #MondayBlog

Our Monday
meme shines a light on apparel. From Regency to Steampunk, and
everything in between, we dress our characters to reflect the story we
want to tell.

In comments, and in 300 words or less,
give us a snippet from your novel that describes what your heroes,
heroines, or bit players are wearing. Don't forget your buy link and
website/blog link. Have fun!

4 comments:

Medina snatched the tickets off the counter and off she went, leaving Zoe to teeter behind her on stilettos that Medina insisted she wear. Between the needle-thin heels, the snug, elasticized mini that bound her thighs together like a girdle, and the stretchy tee strapped around her ribcage, she thought for sure she might pass out before they even made it aboard.Zoe was concentrating so hard on keeping her heels from catching in the cracks between the planks, she almost plowed right into Medina when she screeched to a halt. Following her gaze, she looked up. Between two monstrous tour boats bobbed a smaller replica. A mirrored sign along the front of the second level shouted the vessel’s name in neon: The Crystal Mess.Medina planted her fists on her hips. “Well, what do you think?”“This is Tony’s boat?” Zoe gasped in disbelief. She’d been imagining a good-sized cabin cruiser, like the ones she’d seen coast up and down the lake since she’d arrived. “This isn’t a boat. It’s a freaking ferry.”Medina shot Zoe a wink over her shoulder. “I told you I landed a big one this time.”

Bella's Betrothal Anne Stenhouse, Edinburgh 1826 Bella brings fashionable London to Edinburgh. Here she is ready to ride out with the hero, Charles:He dismounted and tossed his reins to Lachie while heled the rather docile mare they had engaged to a mounting block. “I hope this beastwill not be beneath your touch.”“She is all I could wish for and more. I have been so long without my ownmare, I do not cavil that this girl may be a little unexciting,” Lady Isabella repliedwith more grace than he’d heard her use over any subject. She’d changed into atailored riding habit of dark blue wool and secured her hair. She was a strikingsight and very beautiful.“If I may be permitted to say so, your hat will set off a wave of longing amongthe ladies,” Charles teased.“Why, you may say so. My cousin Jenny has already asked if I will mention itin my will against her name,” she said and smiled down at him from her seat on thechestnut horse.“I conclude we are to enjoy a cessation of hostilities while Lachie supervisesour ride.”Charles laughed.Bella's Betrothal Amazon UK http://goo.gl/P3lmzk US http://goo.gl/7mh8FI

On her return home, Lydia began to prepare the next essential part of her plan. Excited and full of expectation, she searched out the clothes to wear for her disguise. The breeches and jacket had been slightly big when she used to wear them and now fitted well enough to pass. She would need to bind her chest with some linen to flatten it as much as possible before putting on the white shirt.

When she stood before the mirror in her male clothes, Lydia was surprised to find she cut rather a fine figure. Not quite as tall as many young men perhaps, but she could pass for a youth. She let down her hair and pulled it completely back from her face. She would tie it in a queue and top it with a tricorn. If that looked a little out of fashion, Elizabeth could explain that her ‘cousin’ had been in the country for too long.

Fortunately, she had kept a pair of her brother’s boots from when his feet were smaller and, with a little wedging at the toes, they should do very well. All that remained was to find a necktie and she would be ready. She would pack everything into a large bag separate from her other luggage and exchange one outfit for the other at Elizabeth’s home. There, it was all quite simple, she told her reflection. She was ready for her adventure.

Windmaster - Ellspeth, captain of the Sea Falcon, is determined to make her own destiny, but fate decrees she has to decide between the sea, magic... or love. Today she's dressing for a dinner party with the king.

Ellspeth’s pale green gown swirled around her ankles. With each spin, she checked to make sure the hem fell back into place. Satisfied the dress would stand up to an evening of dancing, she did one final check in the looking glass. The gold captain’s bracelets on her wrists glittered in complement to the deep tan of her skin. A single strand of willow green pearls from the Aberden Sea circled her neck. She had woven a second, longer strand into her silver curls. Gone was the last vestige of frivolity she had allowed herself within the privacy of her room. A dignified representative befitting the House of Cszabo descended the stairs with pride.

A servant opened the door at Ellspeth’s approach. Outside, Jacob, a long-time groom for the House, held the reins of a white mare, its mane braided with ribbons bearing the royal seal. A tooled leather sidesaddle was strapped to its back. The groom took the leather pouch containing the book of songs Ellspeth had prepared as a gift for Fraunces. Although she didn’t normally need assistance mounting, Ellspeth allowed the servant to help in deference to her gown. She stepped lightly into his cupped hands and seated herself in the saddle. The groom slipped the thong of the small bag over the pommel, but made no move to hand her the reins.

“Captain, I have a mount saddled and ready. Please allow me to escort you?”

“Stay and enjoy an evening off, Jacob. I know the way to the palace. Besides, I think I’ll be safe enough.” To emphasize her words, she flipped back the edge of her cape to reveal the sheath of a short sword.---------------------------------------------------

Available at Amazon. Excerpts, complete distribution list, or a free read of the first chapter, available here.